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External Actors in the Afghan Problem continues...
UZBEKISTAN
Until the fall of Mazar-e-Sharif to the Taleban forces in August 1998, Uzbekistan supplied its main Afghan ally, the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan (NIM), or “Junbish,” forces under General Dostum, with arms, ammunitions, and fuel. The garrison town of Termez, home to a large Uzbek military (air and land) presence, was the main base for this assistance, serving both as a supply point for arms transfers as well as a maintenance depot. From Termez supplies were transferred across the bridge over the Amu Darya river to Mazar-e Sharif and elsewhere.
Moreover, Junbish combats aircrafts, both fixed-wing jet aircrafts and helicopters, used to receive maintenance and servicing at Termez airport.
With the destruction of the Junbish forces in 1998, Uzbekistan’s leaders apparently decided upon a strategic shift, giving up active support to any faction in Afghanistan in favour of fortifying the border and a more energetic pursuit of a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
But, at least on one occasion, in September 1998, Uzbekistan allowed a large shipment of Iranian military goods for United Front forces to cross its territory.
Uneasy about the prospects of an increased Russian influence in the area, Uzbek officials increased their diplomatic contacts with the Taleban.
However, they remained concerned about possible Taleban support for the radical Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU).
TURKMENISTAN
Although Turkmenistan is not known to have provided direct military assistance to any of the warring parties in Afghanistan, it has not prevented being violated by both sides in the Afghan civil war.
In July 1998, Taleban forces transited Turkmen territory to attack the Junbish held towns of Andkhvoy and Maimana from the rear. And on at least one occasion, in September 1998, Turkmenistan allowed a large shipment of Iranian military goods for United Front forces to
cross its territory.
Turkmenistan had increased diplomatic contacts with the Taleban but appeared to favour neither side in the war.
To be continued...